ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page
Fibromyalgia Study: It’s a Real Disease | Central Chiropractor

Fibromyalgia Study: It’s a Real Disease | Central Chiropractor

We do not know what causes fibromyalgia, but today, as a result of a fibromyalgia study, we’ve got a clue. Fibromyalgia may be related to an abnormal blood flow in specific regions of the brain.

 

How is fibromyalgia associated with circulation in the brain?

 

Dr. Eric Guedj of the Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire de la Timone in Marseille, France, has been the lead researcher in a research examining blood perfusion (abnormal blood circulation) as a possible fibromyalgia cause.

 

Fibromyalgia Study Results

 

Past imaging studies of patients with fibromyalgia have shown above normal cerebral blood flow (brain perfusion) in some areas of the brain and below normal at other locations,” explains Dr. Guedj in a press release about the research.

 

“After performing whole brain scans around the participants, we used a statistical analysis to examine the relationship between practical activity in even the smallest area of the brain and various parameters associated with pain, disability, as well as anxiety and depression.”

 

Dr. Guedj’s team analyzed 30 women, 20 with fibromyalgia and 10 with no symptoms. The women answered various questionnaires used in the research field to quantify such things as pain levels and how badly fibromyalgia limits patients’ lives. Then the girls underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), a special type of brain scan. With analyzing their brain scans, the researchers examined the women’s answers in combination.

 

What Did They Find in the Fibromyalgia Study?

 

Dr. Guedj’s group verified that women with fibromyalgia have abnormal blood flow in two areas of the brain:

 

  • They have too much blood circulation (called hyperperfusion) at the area of the brain that’s supposed to interpret the intensity of pain.
  • They have too little blood circulation (known as hypoperfusion) in the region of the brain that is involved in the psychological response to pain.

 

Additionally, Dr. Guedj’s team found that when a participant’s fibromyalgia symptoms were acute (as noticed by the research), then the level of blood perfusion was acute. To put it differently, the severity of the syndrome correlates with the intensity of blood circulation.

 

The group didn’t find a correlation between blood perfusion and the participants’ levels of depression or anxiety. That’s important to notice because previously, it’s been indicated that fibromyalgia pain is connected to depression: fibromyalgia patients experience widespread pain in part because of depression or nervousness.

 

What Exactly Does This Mean for Fibromyalgia Sufferers?

 

Dr. Guedj sums it up nicely in a media release: “This research shows that these patients exhibit modifications of brain perfusion not seen in healthy subjects and reinforces the idea that fibromyalgia is a ‘actual disease/disorder’.”

 

Quite simply, this study could help move fibromyalgia from syndrome to disease status since it has found a potential reason for fibromyalgia symptoms. Because there isn’t one cause of it fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome rather than a disease. Rather, there are signs and symptoms which point to a fibromyalgia diagnosis: for example, widespread pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and headaches. The analysis could help the medical community better understand fibromyalgia and how to effectively treat it.

 

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition affecting 3 million to 7 million Americans–many of these girls (hence why only women were utilized in the study). At the moment, there is healthcare professionals which have to diagnose it by eliminating other possible diseases/syndromes and by paying careful attention. This SPECT study could result in a way to confirm a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: Fibromyalgia

 

 

Causes and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia | Southwest Chiropractor

Causes and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia | Southwest Chiropractor

Fibromyalgia is a painful, chronic condition, which unfortunately healthcare professionals know little about. Because doctors have yet to determine the exact cause behind fibromyalgia, it can be a big challenge to treat, however, healthcare specialists experienced in chronic pain have gathered some evidence behind its possible causes.

 

What causes fibromyalgia?

 

Research studies have reported that women are also more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia. A fact that, unsurprisingly, has no known explanation to this day. There is evidence on what may cause fibromyalgia, but the results are varied. Findings include:

 

  • The chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia may be due to abnormalities in the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system. Some researchers feel that changes in the autonomic nervous system (which is triggered whenever you’re stressed) and endocrine system (which releases hormones in response to stress) induces the widespread chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. An autonomic nervous system that is over-active induces excessive hormones that sensitize pain receptors, causing pain and tenderness.
  • Fibromyalgia may be linked to physical or emotional trauma via post-traumatic anxiety disorder.
  • Genetics may play a role because fibromyalgia seems to run in families.
  • Viral or bacterial infections may cause the condition. Hepatitis C, the HIV virus and Lyme disease have been correlated with fibromyalgia and some evidence suggests the disease may be also caused by vaccinations.
  • Muscle tissue abnormalities might be to blame. Muscle abnormalities may be structural, metabolic, or functional. Muscle abnormalities may be brought on by disturbances in the endocrine system from repairing, in that diminished growth hormone levels that may prevent muscle tissue.
  • Some research suggests that the musculoskeletal pain of fibromyalgia may be caused by central sensitization. When the nervous system becomes sensitized, which increases the amount of pain, central sensitization occurs.
  • It might be linked to abnormal blood flow. A November 2008 study ascertained that fibromyalgia may be linked to blood circulation in two areas of the brain. A study found that women with fibromyalgia have blood flow in the area. Conversely, they have too little blood circulation in the area of the brain that’s involved in pain response. The researchers also found that the more severe the symptoms, the more acute the blood circulation.

 

Like most ailments, it’s quite possible that fibromyalgia does not simply have one trigger; rather, many factors may impact your likelihood of developing the problem. The study may yield conclusions that are separate, but it’s currently giving the medical community a better comprehension of fibromyalgia. Subsequently, it is going to help create treatments.

 

 

Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Process: What Could Occur

 

It’s extremely tricky to diagnose fibromyalgia. There isn’t one test that a physician can use as a way to definitively say, “Yes, you still have fibromyalgia.” Because there are several conditions that have similar symptoms, including chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and lupus, diagnosing fibromyalgia is more a process of elimination.

 

It could take a while between when you notice symptoms and if you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and that may be frustrating. Try to remain patient and remember that your doctor is working to obtain the reason for your pain and symptoms. Making the perfect diagnosis makes treatment much more successful.

 

  • Medical History: Your physician will have a full medical history, asking you about any other conditions you have and what runs in your family.
  • Share Your Symptoms: You will also have to detail your symptoms: where it hurts, how it hurts, and just how long it hurts. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is dependent upon your report of these symptoms, so it’s best to be as specific and accurate as you can. You may choose to keep a pain diary (a record of all of your symptoms) so that it’s a lot easier to share info with your physician through the consultation.
  • Because fibromyalgia has many potential symptoms and co-existing conditions, attempt to be a thorough as possible when speaking about what you have been experiencing. Tell your doctor if you have been having trouble sleeping, should you are feeling tired a lot of the moment, if you have had any headaches, etc..
  • Physical Evaluation: The doctor can also palpate (so he is going to apply light pressure with the hands) that the 18 tender points.

 

Other Potential Tests

 

As mentioned above, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be extremely similar to other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and ankylosing spondylitis. Your physician will want to rule out any conditions, so he or she may order tests. Remember, these tests are not to diagnose fibromyalgia; they are to eliminate any other possible conditions.

 

The Physician may order:

 

  • Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test: Anti-nuclear Compounds are abnormal proteins which could be on your blood if you have lupus, a condition with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia). Whether your blood has these proteins, the physician will want to find out in order to rule out lupus.
  • Blood count: By taking a look at your blood count, your doctor may have the ability to see an additional cause for your intense exhaustion, such as anemia.
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): An ESR test measures how fast red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. In people with rheumatic disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), the ESR or “sed rate” is sometimes higher. The red blood cells fall into the bottom of the tube, which suggests that there is inflammation within the body.
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) test: In many patients with an inflammatory illness (like rheumatoid arthritis, which has symptoms related to fibromyalgia), a higher degree of the rheumatoid factor could be identified from the blood. A higher degree of RF doesn’t guarantee that your pain is brought on by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but doing an RF evaluation will help your doctor explore the possibility of an RA diagnosis.
  • Thyroid tests: These tests can help the doctor rule out thyroid problems.

 

Closing Note on Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

 

Again, assessing fibromyalgia can take awhile. Your job as a patient is to be more proactive in the diagnostic procedure; be your personal advocate. By way of instance, as soon as your physician orders a test, ask why. Be sure you know the way that test will help figure and what the results will tell you. Continue asking questions until you do, if you do not understand the outcomes or reasoning.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging

Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging

Dr. Alex Jimenez collaborates with top rated diagnosticians and imaging specialists. We are blessed to have in our association, imaging specialists that provide fast, courteous & premiere board certified specialists. In collaboration with our offices we can provide the quality of service our patients mandate and deserve.

Who We Are

Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging (DOI) is a state-of-the-art Radiology center in El Paso, TX. It is the only center of its kind in El Paso, owned and operated by a Radiologist.

This means when you come to DOI for a radiologic exam, every detail, from the design of the rooms, the choice of the equipment, the hand-picked technologists, and the software which runs the office, is carefully chosen or designed by the Radiologist and not by an accountant.

Our market niche is one center of excellence. Our values related to patient care are: We believe in treating patients the way we would treat our family and we will do our best to ensure that you have a good experience at our clinic.

Dear Doctors,

We are pleased to inform you of the arrival of our Titan 3-Tesla MRI at Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging. This is El Paso’s only radiology imaging center that offers this technology. Patients do not always realize how important image quality is: It can make the difference in the diagnosis.

3-Tesla MRI is like HD TV and once you try it, you will not want to go back. The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense to the patient. It gives us the ability to scan faster or to scan with higher detail. An MRI of the brain can take 20 minutes and have exceptional quality, or we can perform the scan in less time, with better quality that is achieved on most 1.5 Tesla “high field” MRIs. This is incredibly useful for children.

Our 3T MRI can perform Diffusion Tensor Imaging, MRI Spectroscopy and CSF flow studies to name just a few of its possibilities.

This scanner is not only very fast, it is very large. Our open MRI has a clearance of 35 cm. The 3T has a diameter of 71 cm! This is welcome news for nervous or claustrophobic patients, and combined with its speed, it can actually eliminate the need for sedation for some patients. 3T MRI is faster, clearer, and has more diagnostic possibilities. We are certain you and your patients will notice the difference.

Our Services

MRI’s:

DOI has three MRI’s under one roof. All are American College of Radiology (ACR) Certified.

Good

Open MRI (0.35 Tesla): This MRI perfect for claustrophobic and very large patients. There is no table weight limit on this MRI

Better

High Field 1.5 Tesla MRI- This is a eight channel MRI with high end image quality. It is in a beautiful room and has ‘pianissimo’ technology, which makes the MRI relatively quiet. This machine has been the best MRI in private practice in El Paso for years. It will soon be eclipsed by our new 3.0 Tesla MRI.

Best

High Field 3.0 Tesla MRI- This is the only 3.0 Tesla MRI in private practice in El Paso. This technology can deliver stunning image quality, which can actually make a difference in your diagnosis. The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense to the patient.�??It gives us the ability to scan faster, or to scan with higher detail. This is welcome news for nervous or claustrophobic patients, and as well as for children as it can actually eliminate the need for sedation in some patients. 3T is faster, clearer, more diagnostic for a better for MRI. It is like HD TV. Once you have tried it, you won’t want to go back. This MRI effectively doubles our MRI capacity. If needed most exams can be completed in under 5 minutes, instead of the normal 30-45 minutes.

Breast MRI:

DOI began Breast MRI in July 2007, being the first facility in El Paso to perform the exam. We have now performed over 2500 breast MRI’s and many MRI-guided breast biopsies. All have been interpreted and/or performed by Dr. Boushka, making him the most experienced radiologist in the city with this exam. This is the most powerful tool for the detection of Breast cancer to date.

Hours:
Monday to Thursday 7 am to 9 pm
Friday 7 am to 5 pm
Saturday 8 am to 4 pm

Prostate MRI:

Guys, you need great medical care also. We are the only facility in El Paso performing this leading edge exam. MRI can see cancers when other imaging methods cannot. Not only can we see prostate cancers with MRI, we can perform MRI-guided prostate biopies for pathologic (definitive) diagnosis.

 

Monday to Thursday 7 am to 9 pm
Friday 7 am to 5 pm
Saturday 8 am to 4 pm

CT:

We have a 16 slice Toshiba Aquillion CT scanner, with newly updated in Dec 2013. The upgrade allows for reduced X-ray dose, higher resolution, more patient comfort, shorter breath holds and doubles the speed of the scanner. This scanner performs CT X-ray exams as helical volume acquisitions in 3D from a single patient exam. Most exams are finished in under 60 seconds, unless delayed images with contrast are indicated. Additionally we have a powerful 3D post processing workstation.

Hours
Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm

Ultrasound:

DOI has just doubled our Ultrasound capacity with newly purchased Philips 34 XRL scanner. We have Three certified Ultrasonographers with cumulative experience of 45 years. We are confident you will find them professional and compassionate. Beverly Bruner RDMS, Sonographer, formally of Desert Imaging has joined our team.

3D OB Ultrasounds:

You better believe it. Available whenever our US department is open. No referral necessary. Images are reviewed by an actual radiologist.

Ultrasound Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 am to 5 pm
Wednesday 8 am to 8 pm
Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday 8 am to 12 pm

Digital Mammography

DOI was the first facility in El Paso to acquire Hologic Full Field Digital Mammography and thus we have more experience with this technology than any facility in El Paso. Our Mammographer has 20 years of experience and has her own following of patents who seek her out to perform their mammograms because of her excellent and compassionate care. Our private pay screening mammography price of $90, including the interpretation is an unbeaten price in El Paso.

Hours
Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm
Extended hours Wednesday until 8pm)
Saturdays 8am to 12pm

Bone Denisity (DEXA)

We have a brand new, Hologic Discovery CI bone densitometer scanner. This is the latest technology.

X-Ray

Our digital computed radiography was just updated February 2014. No appointments are necessary.

We look forward to serving you.

 

 

Sincerely,
William M Boushka, MD

Contact Us

Get in touch with us!

Please note that we can answer general questions, but anything specific to your medical case should be discussed with your physician.

Referral Form

New Patient Forms:
New Patient Form – English
New Patient Form – Spanish

Patient History Form:
Patient History – English
Patient History – Spanish

Patient Release Form:
Patient Release Form

Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging
6065 Montana, Suite A6
El Paso, TX 79925
Tel: (915) 881-1900
Fax: (915) 771-9345

Scheduling:
Tel: (915) 881-1900

Billing & Payments:
Medical Billing Unlimited
5959 Gateway West Suite 120
El Paso, TX 79925
(915) 779-1716

Email:�mail@dximaging.com

Fibromyalgia: Widespread Chronic Muscle Pain | Central Chiropractor

Fibromyalgia: Widespread Chronic Muscle Pain | Central Chiropractor

Chronic muscle pain is defined as persistent, long term pain which can continue for weeks, months, even years after the supposed source of the issue has healed. While many cases of chronic pain can occur due to unknown causes, some cases can be traced back to other underlying injuries or conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

 

What is fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of Americans annually, mostly women, and may be both physically and emotionally debilitating. Fibromyalgia stems from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek words for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). Indeed, fibromyalgia sufferers experience widespread chronic muscle pain.

 

An interesting note: fibromyalgia was once considered a psychological disorder, but studies have proven that people with fibromyalgia may have a lower threshold for pain. This could be from emotional distress, harm, or levels of compounds from the brain but the cause is uncertain.

 

Individuals with fibromyalgia also report irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorders, and migraines. Physicians have yet to find the connection between these ailments and fibromyalgia.

 

Questions About Fibromyalgia

 

What are the signs of fibromyalgia?

 

Widespread pain is the most frequent symptom of fibromyalgia. However, patients typically experience several symptoms, such as extreme fatigue and pain. People with fibromyalgia additionally have nervousness and/or melancholy as well as problems sleeping.

 

What conditions co-exist with fibromyalgia?

 

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Irritable bladder
  • Migraine headaches
  • Raynaud’s Syndrome
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • TMJ or Temporomandibular joint disorder

 

What causes fibromyalgia?

 

Doctors have yet to ascertain fibromyalgia’s exact cause, though research findings are shedding light. Causes include abnormalities in nervous systems and the endocrine, genetics, muscle tissue abnormalities, and blood flow. It’s very possible that fibromyalgia does not simply have one cause many factors may impact your likelihood of developing the condition.

 

What are some treatment options to deal with fibromyalgia?

 

The type of treatment you’ll need will depend on your symptoms. For instance, your doctor can prescribe an antidepressant to not just lessen your pain but also address melancholy. If you are stressed or have difficulty sleeping, an exercise program will help.

 

Medicines to treat fibromyalgia include:

 

  • Lyrica (pregabalin) is a nerve pain medicine
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) an antidepressant that may help alleviate pain
  • Savella (milnacipran HCI) is an antidepressant and medication for nerve pain
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers

 

Some common treatment options include treatments such as massage and biofeedback therapy to help manage stress. Your doctor may recommend that you see a physical chiropractor, and a psychologist may address fibromyalgia’s mental and psychological toll.

 

Who treats fibromyalgia?

 

Your primary care physician (PCP) might be able to diagnose and treat your condition. But if your PCP doesn’t understand enough about fibromyalgia, a professional might be your best alternative.

 

Arguably more than any other physician, rheumatologists , closely follow fibromyalgia improvements and will have the best knowledge base on the status. You might also want to visit a neurologist for drugs to control your pain. Another choice is to consult with with a pain management doctor. These doctors treat all sorts of pain, such as that.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

How Psychologists Can Help With Chronic Pain | Central Chiropractor

How Psychologists Can Help With Chronic Pain | Central Chiropractor

Chronic pain is pain that doesn’t go away. Unlike acute pain, that comes on suddenly and can usually be traced directly to a cause, chronic pain lingers and it isn’t easy to tell what is causing it. That is the situation that millions of chronic pain sufferers have been in: there’s no reason as to why they have persistent pain.

 

In actuality, chronic pain in itself can be considered a disease or illness. Most times, pain is a symptom of another illness or problem. If pain becomes persistent, though, it isn’t just a sign of a problem, it is the issue.

 

What can you do about chronic pain?

 

One typically accepted definition of chronic pain is pain that still remains, even when the related injury or disease has been healed. It’s pain that persists 6 months or longer after the associated injury or disease has been managed. Chronic pain not only affects the body physically, it can also affect the mind.

 

Psychologists and Chronic Pain

 

Being referred to a psychologist as part of the chronic pain treatment plan does not necessarily mean your doctor thinks that your pain is only mental. If your doctor refers you it usually means that they are well-aware of the effects pain can have on the mind. It means that the healthcare professional is currently taking a multi-disciplinary strategy to your pain, one which may comprise of psychology, physical therapy, and medications, for example. Since chronic pain is a condition that is multi-faceted, it needs a multi-faceted therapy plan.

 

A Psychologist’s Role

 

Chronic pain does involve an emotional component. Back in 1979, the International Association for the Study of Pain redefined pain. They said that it’s a “sensory and emotional experience. ” A translation: pain has physical and emotional sides, and it exists even if there is no identifiable cause. In other words, the pain simply exists because the individual feels (or thinks he or she feels) it. Persistent pain can have a psychological toll on an individual’s life. The following list of ideas aren’t atypical for a chronic pain patient to have when dealing with the painful symptoms.

 

  • I can not work since I am in so much pain, so I am worthless for my loved ones.
  • I do not even feel like myself anymore since my whole life revolves round this annoyance.
  • I’m so lonely and isolated because no one understands my pain.
  • I’m whining too much about my annoyance, I’m such a weakling! I must just put on a happy face.
  • I can’t even do the simplest tasks anymore. I’m a failure.

 

With thoughts such as that dominating your mind, it can be difficult to fully deal with your pain. The psychological aspect can still make you feel trapped with the pain, although you might be taking actions to take care of the physical elements of your pain. A psychologist can help you deal with the psychological impact of chronic pain.

 

Utilizing behavioral treatment techniques, a psychologist can help you identify and change negative thoughts, ideas that can aggravate your pain. The psychologist can help you cope with anxiety, any depression, or other mood disorders related to chronic pain. What happens in sessions with your psychologist is left up to you, but it’s a time to be completely and totally truthful about how chronic pain is affecting your ideas, relationships, career, and self-esteem. The main goal is to help you live your life fully, restoring your overall health and wellness, mentally.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Common Injections Used to Treat Chronic Pain | Recommended Chiropractor

Common Injections Used to Treat Chronic Pain | Recommended Chiropractor

Many Americans in the United States will visit a healthcare professional’s office reporting some type of pain. While most cases of pain are considered acute, or temporary, resolving after the injury or condition causing the symptoms has healed, a large percentage of individuals will still report pain long after the source has disappeared. This is known as chronic pain. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment methods which can also help ease these symptoms.

 

Are injections used to treat chronic pain?

 

From physical therapy and chiropractic care, to drugs and medications, numerous types of treatment methods and therapies can be used to treat chronic pain, each more beneficial to certain people than others. Epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections are some of the most common types of injections utilized to ease chronic pain symptoms. For some individuals, injections may be more useful than other forms of treatment. As with any medical procedure, however, it’s important to understand how helpful these can be for each, individual patient.

 

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Chronic Pain

 

Although epidural steroid injections (also called epidural corticosteroid injections) can be helpful to confirm a diagnosis, they should be used primarily after a specific presumptive diagnosis has been established. Additionally, injections shouldn’t be used in isolation, but rather in combination with a program strengthening, stressing muscle flexibility, and operational recovery, most commonly associated with chronic pain, in this case.

 

Appropriate follow-up after shots to rate ability and the individual’s treatment response to progress in the rehabilitation program is indispensable. Observation of this response is necessary prior to a second or third shot, although a number of injections can be attempted to decrease pain. Epidural steroid injections are an adjunct treatment, which facilitates participation in an active exercise program and may assist in avoiding the need for surgical intervention.

 

Treatment Rationale

 

The rationale for the use of epidural corticosteroid injection has enhanced with the signs of an inflammatory basis for radicular pain from disc herniation. Although prospective trials are lacking, epidural steroids have been proven to be effective in pain reduction in patients with referred pain. If used in the initial weeks after onset the efficacy is increased.

 

The goal of these injections would be to facilitate an active exercise program and also to progress sufferers through the pain and inflammation phase of healing as quickly as possible. As with all injections, it needs to be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan involving active exercise programs.

 

How the Injection Is Applied

 

To ensure proper needle placement of corticosteroids, fluoroscopic guidance is recommended. Meaning a healthcare professional will use special imaging gear during the injection to be sure the needle is going in at the right place. Some patients may require more than one injection. Repeat shots should be based on goals and the response after the injection. It is not necessary for many patients to experience a set number or “series” of injections. If minimal to no advancement is found following two shots, then further similar shots aren’t warranted. The recent usage of the approach allows the medicine to be delivered in a fashion to the ventral part of the spinal canal. All patients must be followed by consecutive injections (10-14 days later) to assess therapeutic reaction.

 

Utilization of Epidural Steroid Injections

 

Epidural shots and intradiscal injections have been used in treating non-radicular degenerative disc disorder with limited success. In addition, epidural steroids are used in patients with neurogenic claudication from spinal stenosis with mixed outcomes. A number of shots can be tried to decrease pain thought to be at least in part mediated by inflammation.

 

Facet Joint Injections for Chronic Pain

 

The therapeutic advantage of facet injections remains controversial. The controversy starts with the significance of the background and examination with lower back pain. Many patients will complain of back and lower extremity pain with standing, walking, and extension-type pursuits. The examination is normal, and also tests for nerve root inflammation are often negative. Many patients may have increased pain on passive expansion, or extension and rotation.

 

Additionally, radiographic and bone scanning imaging hasn’t been useful in selecting appropriate patients for facet injections. Consequently, the primary job of facet injections remains diagnostic. There is support for the impact of shots or ablations of the nerves. Facet injections should be used for patients who have failed a guided non-operative treatment program that incorporates various manipulation/mobilization methods. They should be done under fluoroscopic guidance and are not suggested in the initial four to six weeks of treatment.

 

Goal of Facet Joint Injections

 

The goal of facet injections is to verify the diagnosis and perhaps assist with pain reduction to be able to alleviate an active physical treatment program. If prior injections were helpful and there’s a recurrence of pain, they can be replicated replicate injections should be limited. This process should be used only in people failing a comprehensive application and in no manner should be considered at the initial management of an incident of acute low back pain.

 

Be sure to seek the proper guidance from an experienced and qualified healthcare professional before attempting any medical procedure, method or therapy. Injections for chronic pain are only one form of treatment used for the mentioned symptoms. Other treatment options can be used alongside these or in place of the above.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Interventional Chronic Pain Management Treatments | Central Chiropractor

Interventional Chronic Pain Management Treatments | Central Chiropractor

Chronic pain is known as pain that persists for 12 weeks or even longer, even after pain is no longer acute (short-term, acute pain) or the injury has healed. Of course there are many causes of chronic pain that can influence any level of the spine, cervical (neck), mid back (thoracic), lower spine (lumbar), sacral (sacrum) or some combination of levels.

 

What treatments do interventional pain management specialists perform?

 

Oftentimes, early and aggressive therapy of chronic neck or back pain can earn a difference that is life-changing. But remember that knowledge is power: Be certain that you know your choices. There are various treatment procedures and treatments available for chronic pain, each completed by a treatment specialists. Interventional pain management specialist treatments may be a fantastic solution for some people with chronic pain symptoms.

 

Interventional Pain Management Specialists

 

Interventional pain management (IPM) is a special field of medicine that uses injections and small processes to help patients control their own chronic pain. Interventional pain management specialists are trained to diagnose and cure ailments, and their goal is to improve patients’ quality of life.

 

IPM’s Role in Treating Chronic Back Pain

 

Pain control plays a big role in chronic pain since many forms of pain can’t be cured, so pain victims must find out how to live with and work around the pain. A pain management specialist can help them locate the pain relief that they need to work in the daily. The interventional treatments are part of a multi-disciplinary approach that might include use of medications, psychology, and therapy. Part of IPM is currently finding treatments that works best for your treatment or combination. Some potential interventional pain management therapies are:

 

Injections

 

Your interventional pain management expert will have you try injections, which send anti inflammatory medications and strong pain-relieving straight. A few examples of injections used for chronic pain are:

 

Epidural steroid injection: This is one of the most commonly used injections. An epidural steroid injection (ESI) aims the epidural space, that is the space surrounding the membrane which holds the spinal fluid around the spinal cord and nerve roots. Nerves traveling through the epidural area and then branch out to other parts of your body, like your thighs. When a nerve root is compressed (pinched) from the epidural space, you’ll have pain that travels down your spine and into your legs (commonly called sciatica, even though the technical medical term is radiculopathy). An epidural steroid injection sends steroids right to the nerve root that’s inflamed. You need 2-3 injections; normally, you shouldn’t have that because of the potential side effects of the steroids.

 

Facet joint injection: Also called facet blocks, facet joint injections are helpful in case your facet joints are causing annoyance. Facet joints in your back allow you to move and provide stability. Though, you will have pain, if they get inflamed. The joint wills numb and can lower your pain.

 

Sacroiliac joint injection: The joint is where your pelvis and spine come and also an aching sacroiliac joint can be extremely debilitating. The injection may reduce inflammation and pain.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

About Pain Management (Medicine) Specialists | Southwest Chiropractor

About Pain Management (Medicine) Specialists | Southwest Chiropractor

When affected by chronic pain, an individuals initial concern often involves what type of treatment they should seek for their particular issue. While many doctors are qualified and experienced in treating a variety of injuries and conditions, only some specialists can be classified as pain experts: pain management specialists.

 

What is a pain management specialist?

 

Pain medicine or pain management specialists provide varied treatments, including medications, action modification, therapeutic injections, physical therapy, and alternative kinds of care like acupuncture, manipulation, and music or art therapy for chronic pain. Multidisciplinary pain medicine joins two or more treatments to maximize pain management.

 

Concerning Pain Management Specialists

 

A pain management specialist is a physician or osteopathic physician who treats pain. Although called interventional pain management specialists or pain medicine specialist, a number of these doctors are physiatrists or anesthesiologists. Pain management and medication treatment is a team effort frequently involving the patient’s primary care doctor or other treating doctor, and specialists in radiology, psychiatry, psychology, oncology, nursing, physical therapy, complimentary alternative medicine, and other fields.

 

Education and Training

 

After graduating medical school and finishing a one-year internship, the doctor enters a program in anesthesiology or physical medicine but from different fields such as psychiatry and neurology. Upon completion of a residency program (typically 3 years long), the doctor completes a one-year fellowship for advanced training in pain medicine.

 

Pain medication specialists are board certified. The associations that board certify physiatrists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists all collaborate to provide the board examination to the subspecialty of pain medicine. Pain medicine and management specialists keep their education and training throughout their careers. There are many opportunities for pain management specialists to remain current with technical and medical improvements in pain medication, such as society meetings and journals.

 

Goals of Pain Management

 

By reducing pain, frequency and intensity, a pain management specialist’s goal is to handle chronic or acute pain. A pain management program can manage your operational goals for activities of daily living besides fixing pain problems. In general, a pain medication program intends to give you a feeling of well-being, increase your level of action (like return to work), and reduce or eliminate your dependence on drugs.

 

Kinds of Pain Treated

 

Pain medicine specialists treat all kinds of pain. Intense pain is described as severe or sharp and may signal something isn’t right. The pain experienced during care is an instance of acute pain. Infection lasting more or even 6 months is described as chronic. This kind of pain is persistent and varies from moderate to severe. Spinal arthritis (spondylosis) pain is often chronic. A good outcome is produced by combining different treatments although chronic pain is difficult to manage.

 

Treatment may include:

 

  • Limit activities that increase pain (activity modification)
  • Prescription medication: Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics (opioids), anti-depressants, and antiseizure drugs. Some antiseizure and antidepressant medications have proven to help manage specific types of chronic pain.
  • Injection therapy: provide pain relief, as well as Injections may help to pinpoint the reason behind pain. Therapies include facet joint anabolic steroid, and joint injections; and nerve rootbranch, peripheral and sympathetic nerve block .
  • Physical Therapy: Heat/ice, massage, spinal traction, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and therapeutic practice.
  • Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that prevents nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.
  • Rhizotomy utilizes electrodes that are heated to turn off pain signals from nerves that are particular.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation is an implanted device that produces electrical impulses to block pain perception.
  • Intrathecal Pumps are sometimes referred to as pain pumps. The device is surgically implanted and dispenses doses of medication within the spinal tract.
  • Acupuncture is the insertion of needles to some of 2,000 acupuncture points or the body’s 20 Meridian factors. Acupuncture is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes other holistic treatments.
  • Manipulation is performed by chiropractors, osteopathic doctors (DO), and some physical therapists, even though the treatment varies among these careers. Manipulation is described as the use of force or pressure to take care of a disorder.
  • Art and music therapy are approaches to distract your mind. Besides a creative outlet, comfort is promoted by these therapies, provide a way for expression, help to reduce anxiety, raises self-esteem, and are fun.

 

What to Expect During an Appointment

 

Your consultation with interventional pain management specialist is much like other physician visits. Even though there are a number of similarities, the focus is quickly managing it, and on your pain, the cause or contributing factors.

 

Pain medication doctors perform a physical and neurological evaluation, and review your medical history paying special attention to pain history. You may be asked many questions about your pain, such as:

 

  • On a scale from zero to 10, with 10 being the worse pain possible, speed your pain.
  • When did pain begin? When pain began what were you doing?
  • Does pain disperse into different areas of the human body?
  • Is its intensity continuous, or can it be worse at different times of the night or day?
  • What helps to relieve the pain? Why is pain worse?
  • What treatments have you tried? What worked? What failed?
  • Do you take herbal supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications?
  • Can you take prescription medication? If so, what, how much, and how?

 

Most pain medication specialists utilize a standardized drawing of the front/back of the human body to let you indicate where pain is sensed, as well as indicate pain spread and type (eg, gentle, sharp). You may be requested to complete the form each time you stop by the pain physician. The drawing can help to evaluate your treatment progress.

 

Accurate Diagnosis Key to Remedy

 

Pain medication involves diagnosing the cause or source of pain. Making the proper diagnosis may entail obtaining an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI study to confirm the cause of your neck or back pain. When treating spine-related pain (which may include leg or arm signs), additional tests, such as discography, bone scans, nerve studies (electromyography, nerve conduction study), and myelography could be carried out. The identification is essential to a successful treatment program.

 

Some spinal disorders and pain therapy requires involvement including orthopaedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, your primary care doctor, and practitioners in radiology, psychiatry, psychology, oncology, nursing, physical therapy, and complimentary medicine. The pain medicine specialist may consult with and/or consult with spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon to ascertain whether spine surgery is required by your pain issue.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

El Paso, TX Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense

El Paso, TX Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense

Science based Chiropractor Dr. Alexander Jimenez takes a look at oxidative stress, what it is, how it affects the body and the antioxidant defense to remedy the situation.

Esra Birben PhD,1 Umit Murat Sahiner MD,1 Cansin Sackesen MD,1 Serpil Erzurum MD,2 and Omer Kalayci, MD1

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism and environ- mental factors, such as air pollutants or cigarette smoke. ROS are highly reactive molecules and can damage cell structures such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins and alter their functions. The shift in the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of oxidants is termed �oxidative stress.� Regulation of reducing and oxidizing (redox) state is critical for cell viability, activation, proliferation, and organ function. Aerobic organisms have integrated antioxidant systems, which include enzymatic and non- enzymatic antioxidants that are usually effective in blocking harmful effects of ROS. However, in pathological conditions, the antioxidant systems can be overwhelmed. Oxidative stress contributes to many pathological conditions and diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/perfusion, diabetes, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. In this review, we summarize the cellular oxidant and antioxidant systems and discuss the cellular effects and mechanisms of the oxidative stress.

Key Words: antioxidant, oxidant, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, redox

(WAO Journal 2012; 5:9�19)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism. At low to moderate concentrations, they function in physiological cell processes, but at high concentrations, they produce adverse modifications to cell components, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA.1�6 The shift in balance between oxidant/ antioxidant in favor of oxidants is termed �oxidative stress.� Oxidative stress contributes to many pathological conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders,7�10 atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/perfusion,11�14 diabetes, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,15 and asthma.16�21 Aerobic organisms have integrated antioxidant systems,� which include enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants that are usually effective in blocking harmful effects of ROS. However, in pathological conditions, the antioxidant systems can be overwhelmed. In this review, we summarize the cellular oxidant and antioxidant systems and regulation of the reducing and oxidizing (redox) state in health and disease states.

OXIDANTS

Endogenous Sources of ROS

ROS are produced from molecular oxygen as a result of normal cellular metabolism. ROS can be divided into 2 groups: free radicals and nonradicals. Molecules containing one or more unpaired electrons and thus giving reactivity to the molecule are called free radicals. When 2 free radicals share their unpaired electrons, nonradical forms are created. The 3 major ROS that are of physiological significance are superoxide anion (O22.), hydroxyl radical ( OH), and hydro- gen peroxide (H2O2). ROS are summarized in Table 1.

Superoxide anion is formed by the addition of 1 electron to the molecular oxygen.22 This process is mediated by nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase or xanthine oxidase or by mitochondrial electron trans- port system. The major site for producing superoxide anion is the mitochondria, the machinery of the cell to produce adenosine triphosphate. Normally, electrons are transferred through mitochondrial electron transport chain for reduction of oxygen to water, but approximately 1 to 3% of all electrons leak from the system and produce superoxide. NAD(P)H oxidase is found in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Upon phagocytosis, these cells produce a burst of superoxide that lead to bactericidal activity. Superoxide is converted into hydrogen peroxide by the action of superoxide dismutases (SODs, EC 1.15.1.1). Hydrogen peroxide easily diffuses across the plasma membrane. Hydrogen peroxide is also produced by xanthine oxidase, amino acid oxidase, and NAD(P)H oxidase�23,24 and in peroxisomes by consumption of molecular oxygen in metabolic reactions. In a succession of reactions called Haber�Weiss and Fenton reactions,H2O2 can breakdown to OH2 in the presence of transmission metals like Fe21 or Cu21.25

Fe31 +�.O2�?Fe2 +�O2 Haber Weiss

Fe2 +�H2O2�?Fe3 +�OH�+ .OH Fenton reaction

O 2 �itself can also react with H2 O2 and generate OH�.26,27 Hydroxyl radical is the most reactive of ROS and can damage proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and DNA. It can also start lipid peroxidation by taking an electron from polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Granulocytic enzymes further expand the reactivity of H2O2 via eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In activated neutrophils, H2O2 is consumed by MPO. In the presence of chloride ion, H2O2 is converted to hypochlorous acid (HOCl). HOCl is highly oxidative and plays an important role in killing of the pathogens in the airways.28 However, HOCl can also react with DNA and induce DNA�protein interactions and produce pyrimidine oxidation products and add chloride to DNA bases.29,30 Eosinophil peroxidase and MPO also contribute to the oxidative stress by modification of proteins by halogenations, nitration, and protein cross-links via tyrosyl radicals.31�33

Other oxygen-derived free radicals are the peroxyl radicals (ROO$ ). Simplest form of these radicals is hydro- peroxyl radical (HOO$ ) and has a role in fatty acid peroxidation. Free radicals can trigger lipid peroxidation chain reactions by abstracting a hydrogen atom from a side- chain methylene carbon. The lipid radical then reacts with oxygen to produce peroxyl radical. Peroxyl radical initiates a chain reaction and transforms polyunsaturated fatty acids into lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxides are very unstable and easily decompose to secondary products, such as aldehydes (such as 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal) and malondialdehydes (MDAs). Isoprostanes are another group of lipid peroxidation products that are generated via the peroxidation of arachidonic acid and have also been found to be elevated in plasma and breath condensates of asthmatics.34,35 Peroxidation of lipids disturbs the integrity of cell membranes and leads to rearrangement of membrane structure.

Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), MDAs, isoprostanes, carbonyls, and nitrotyrosine can be easily measured from plasma, blood, or bronchoalveolar lavage samples as biomarkers of oxidation by standardized assays.

Exogenous Source of Oxidants

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains many oxidants and free radicals and organic compounds, such as superoxide and nitric oxide.36 In addition, inhalation of cigarette smoke into the lung also activates some endogenous mechanisms, such as accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages, which further increase the oxidant injury.

Ozone Exposure

Ozone exposure can cause lipid peroxidation and induce influx of neutrophils into the airway epithelium. Short-term exposure to ozone also causes the release of inflammatory mediators, such as MPO, eosinophil cationic proteins and also lactate dehydrogenase and albumin.37 Even in healthy subjects, ozone exposure causes a reduction in pulmonary functions.38 Cho et al39 have shown that particulate matter (mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air) catalyzes the reduction of oxygen.

Hyperoxia

Hyperoxia refers to conditions of higher oxygen levels than normal partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs or other body tissues. It leads to greater production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.40,41

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation, in the presence of O2, converts hydroxyl radical, superoxide, and organic radicals to hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides. These hydroperoxide species react with redox active metal ions, such as Fe and Cu, via Fenton reactions and thus induce oxidative stress.42,43 Narayanan et al44 showed that fibroblasts that were exposed to alpha particles had significant increases in intracellular O2 2. and H2O2 production via plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase.44 Signal transduction molecules, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, and transcription factors, such as activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), and p53, are activated, which result in the expression of radiation response�related genes.45�50 Ultraviolet A (UVA) photons trigger oxidative reactions by excitation of endogenous photosensitizers, such as porphyrins, NADPH oxidase, and riboflavins. 8-Oxo-7,8- dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) is the main UVA-mediated DNA oxidation product formed by the oxidation of OH radical, 1-electron oxidants, and singlet oxygen that mainly reacts with guanine.51 The formation of guanine radical cation in isolated DNA has been shown to efficiently occur through the direct effect of ionizing radiation.52,53 After exposure to ionizing radiation, intracellular level of glutathione (GSH) decreases for a short term but then increases again.54

Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal ions, such as iron, copper, cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, and arsenic, can induce generation of reactive radicals and cause cellular damage via depletion of enzyme activities through lipid peroxidation and reaction with nuclear proteins and DNA.55

One of the most important mechanisms of metal- mediated free radical generation is via a Fenton-type reaction. Superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide can interact with transition metals, such as iron and copper, via the metal catalyzed Haber�Weiss/Fenton reaction to form OH radicals.

Metal31 1 $O2 /Metal21 1 O2 Haber Weiss Metal21 1 H2 O2 /Metal31 1 OH 2 1 $OH Fenton reaction

Besides the Fenton-type and Haber�Weiss-type mechanisms, certain metal ions can react directly with cellular molecules to generate free radicals, such as thiol radicals, or induce cell signaling pathways. These radicals may also react with other thiol molecules to generate O22.. O22. is converted to H2O2, which causes additional oxygen radical generation. Some metals, such as arsenite, induce ROS formation indirectly by activation of radical producing systems in cells.56

Arsenic is a highly toxic element that produces a variety of ROS, including superoxide (O2 2), singlet oxygen (1O2), peroxyl radical (ROO ), nitric oxide (NO ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and dimethylarsinic peroxyl radicals [(CH3)2AsOO ].57�59 Arsenic (III) compounds can inhibit antioxidant enzymes, especially the GSH-dependent enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and GSH reductase, via bind- ing to their sulfhydryl (�SH) groups.60,61

Lead increases lipid peroxidation.62 Significant decreases in the activity of tissue SOD and brain GPx have been reported after lead exposure.63,64 Replacement of zinc, which serves as a cofactor for many enzymes by lead, leads to inactivation of such enzymes. Lead exposure may cause inhibition of GST by affecting tissue thiols.

ROS generated by metal-catalyzed reactions can mod- ify DNA bases. Three base substitutions, G / C, G / T, and C / T, can occur as a result of oxidative damage by metal ions, such as Fe21, Cu21, and Ni21. Reid et al65 showed that G / C was predominantly produced by Fe21 while C / T substitution was by Cu21 and Ni21.

ANTIOXIDANTS

The human body is equipped with a variety of antioxidants that serve to counterbalance the effect of oxidants. For all practical purposes, these can be divided into 2 categories: enzymatic (Table 2) and nonenzymatic (Table 3).

Enzymatic Antioxidants

The major enzymatic antioxidants of the lungs are SODs (EC 1.15.1.11), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), and GSH-Px (EC 1.11.1.9). In addition to these major enzymes, other antioxidants, including heme oxygenase-1 (EC 1.14.99.3), and redox proteins, such as thioredoxins (TRXs, EC 1.8.4.10), peroxiredoxins (PRXs, EC 1.11.1.15), and glutaredoxins, have also been found to play crucial roles in the pulmonary antioxidant defenses.

Since superoxide is the primary ROS produced from a variety of sources, its dismutation by SOD is of primary importance for each cell. All 3 forms of SOD, that is, CuZn- SOD, Mn-SOD, and EC-SOD, are widely expressed in the human lung. Mn-SOD is localized in the mitochondria matrix. EC-SOD is primarily localized in the extracellular matrix, especially in areas containing high amounts of type I collagen fibers and around pulmonary and systemic vessels. It has also been detected in the bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelium, and alveolar macrophages.66,67 Overall, CuZn- SOD and Mn-SOD are generally thought to act as bulk scavengers of superoxide radicals. The relatively high EC-SOD level in the lung with its specific binding to the extracellular matrix components may represent a fundamental component of lung matrix protection.68

H2O2 that is produced by the action of SODs or the action of oxidases, such as xanthine oxidase, is reduced to water by catalase and the GSH-Px. Catalase exists as a tetra- mer composed of 4 identical monomers, each of which con- tains a heme group at the active site. Degradation of H2O2 is accomplished via the conversion between 2 conformations of catalase-ferricatalase (iron coordinated to water) and com- pound I (iron complexed with an oxygen atom). Catalase also binds NADPH as a reducing equivalent to prevent oxidative inactivation of the enzyme (formation of compound II) by H2O2 as it is reduced to water.69

Enzymes in the redox cycle responsible for the reduction of H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides (generated as a result of membrane lipid peroxidation) include the GSH-Pxs.70 The GSH-Pxs are a family of tetrameric enzymes that contain the unique amino acid selenocysteine within the active sites and use low-molecular-weight thiols, such as GSH, to reduce H2O2 and lipid peroxides to their corresponding alcohols. Four GSH- Pxs have been described, encoded by different genes: GSH- Px-1 (cellular GSH-Px) is ubiquitous and reduces H2O2 and fatty acid peroxides, but not esterified peroxyl lipids.71 Esterified lipids are reduced by membrane-bound GSH-Px-4 (phospholipid hydroperoxide GSH-Px), which can use several different low-molecular-weight thiols as reducing equivalents. GSH-Px-2 (gastrointestinal GSH-Px) is localized in gastrointestinal epithelial cells where it serves to reduce dietary peroxides.72 GSH-Px-3 (extracellular GSH-Px) is the only member of the GSH-Px family that resides in the extracellular compartment and is believed to be one of the most important extracellular antioxidant enzyme in mammals. Of these, extracellular GSH-Px is most widely investigated in the human lung.73

In addition, disposal of H2O2 is closely associated with several thiol-containing enzymes, namely, TRXs (TRX1 and TRX2), thioredoxin reductases (EC 1.8.1.9) (TRRs), PRXs (which are thioredoxin peroxidases), and glutaredoxins.74

Two TRXs and TRRs have been characterized in human cells, existing in both cytosol and mitochondria. In the lung, TRX and TRR are expressed in bronchial and alveolar epithelium and macrophages. Six different PRXs have been found in human cells, differing in their ultrastructural compartmentalization. Experimental studies have revealed the importance of PRX VI in the protection of alveolar epithelium. Human lung expresses all PRXs in bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelium, and macrophages.75 PRX V has recently been found to function as a peroxynitrite reductase,76 which means that it may function as a potential protective compound in the development of ROS-mediated lung injury.77

Common to these antioxidants is the requirement of NADPH as a reducing equivalent. NADPH maintains catalase in the active form and is used as a cofactor by TRX and GSH reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), which converts GSSG to GSH, a co-substrate for the GSH-Pxs. Intracellular NADPH, in turn, is generated by the reduction of NADP1 by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the pen- tose phosphate pathway, during the conversion of glucose- 6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconolactone. By generating NADPH, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is a critical determinant of cytosolic GSH buffering capacity (GSH/ GSSG) and, therefore, can be considered an essential, regulatory antioxidant enzyme.78,79

GSTs (EC 2.5.1.18), another antioxidant enzyme family, inactivate secondary metabolites, such as unsaturated aldehydes, epoxides, and hydroperoxides. Three major families of GSTs have been described: cytosolic GST, mitochondrial GST,80,81 and membrane-associated microsomal GST that has a role in eicosanoid and GSH metabolism.82 Seven classes of cytosolic GST are identified in mammalian, designated Alpha, Mu, Pi, Sigma, Theta, Omega, and Zeta.83�86 During non-stressed conditions, class Mu and Pi GSTs interact with kinases Ask1 and JNK, respectively, and inhibit these kinases.87�89 It has been shown that GSTP1 dissociates from JNK in response to oxidative stress.89 GSTP1 also physically interacts with PRX VI and leads to recovery of PRX enzyme activity via glutathionylation of the oxidized protein.90

Nonenzymatic Antioxidants

Nonenzymatic antioxidants include low-molecular-weight compounds, such as vitamins (vitamins C and E), b-carotene, uric acid, and GSH, a tripeptide (L-g-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-L- glycine) that comprise a thiol (sulfhydryl) group.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Water-soluble vitamin C (ascorbic acid) provides intracellular and extracellular aqueous-phase antioxidant capacity primarily by scavenging oxygen free radicals. It converts vitamin E free radicals back to vitamin E. Its plasma levels have been shown to decrease with age.91,92

Vitamin E (a-Tocopherol)

Lipid-soluble vitamin E is concentrated in the hydrophobic interior site of cell membrane and is the principal defense against oxidant-induced membrane injury. Vitamin E donates electron to peroxyl radical, which is produced during lipid peroxidation. a-Tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E and the major membrane-bound antioxidant in cell. Vitamin E triggers apoptosis of cancer cells and inhibits free radical formations.93

Glutathione

GSH is highly abundant in all cell compartments and is the major soluble antioxidant. GSH/GSSG ratio is a major determinant of oxidative stress. GSH shows its antioxidant effects in several ways.94 It detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides via action of GSH-Px. GSH donates its electron to H2O2 to reduce it into H2O and O2. GSSG is again reduced into GSH by GSH reductase that uses NAD(P)H as the electron donor. GSH-Pxs are also important for the pro- tection of cell membrane from lipid peroxidation. Reduced glutathione donates protons to membrane lipids and protects them from oxidant attacks.95

GSH is a cofactor for several detoxifying enzymes, such as GSH-Px and transferase. It has a role in converting vitamin C and E back to their active forms. GSH protects cells against apoptosis by interacting with proapoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways.94 It also regulates and activates several transcription factors, such as AP-1, NF-kB, and Sp-1.

Carotenoids (b-Carotene)

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. Primarily, b-carotene has been found to react with peroxyl (ROO ), hydroxyl ( OH), and superoxide (O22.) radicals.96 Carotenoids show their antioxidant effects in low oxygen partial pressure but may have pro-oxidant effects at higher oxygen concentrations.97 Both carotenoids and retinoic acids (RAs) are capable of regulating transcription factors.98 b-Carotene inhibits the oxidant-induced NF-kB activation and interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a production. Carotenoids also affect apoptosis of cells. Antiproliferative effects of RA have been shown in several studies. This effect of RA is mediated mainly by retinoic acid receptors and vary among cell types. In mammary carcinoma cells, retinoic acid receptor was shown to trigger growth inhibition by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or both.99,100

THE EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS: GENETIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, & BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS

Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between antioxidants and ROS are disrupted because of either depletion of antioxidants or accumulation of ROS. When oxidative stress occurs, cells attempt to counteract the oxidant effects and restore the redox balance by activation or silencing of genes encoding defensive enzymes, tran- scription factors, and structural proteins.101,102 Ratio between oxidized and reduced glutathione (2GSH/GSSG) is one of the important determinants of oxidative stress in the body. Higher production of ROS in body may change DNA structure, result in modification of proteins and lipids, activation of several stress-induced transcription factors, and production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Effects Of Oxidative Stress On DNA

ROS can lead to DNA modifications in several ways, which involves degradation of bases, single- or double- stranded DNA breaks, purine, pyrimidine or sugar-bound modifications, mutations, deletions or translocations, and cross-linking with proteins. Most of these DNA modifications (Fig. 1) are highly relevant to carcinogenesis, aging, and neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. Tobacco smoke, redox metals, and nonredox metals, such as iron, cadmium, chrome, and arsenic, are also involved in carcinogenesis and aging by generating free radicals or bind- ing with thiol groups. Formation of 8-OH-G is the best- known DNA damage occurring via oxidative stress and is a potential biomarker for carcinogenesis.

Promoter regions of genes contain consensus sequences for transcription factors. These transcription factor�binding sites contain GC-rich sequences that are susceptible for oxidant attacks. Formation of 8-OH-G DNA in transcription factor binding sites can modify binding of transcription factors and thus change the expression of related genes as has been shown for AP-1 and Sp-1 target sequences.103 Besides 8-OH-G, 8,59 -cyclo-29 -deoxyadenosine (cyclo-dA) has also been shown to inhibit transcription from a reporter gene in a cell system if located in a TATA box.104 The TATA-binding protein initiates transcription by changing the bending of DNA. The binding of TATA-binding protein may be impaired by the presence of cyclo-dA.

Oxidative stress causes instability of microsatellite (short tandem repeats) regions. Redox active metal ions, hydroxyl radicals increase microsatellite instability.105 Even though single-stranded DNA breaks caused by oxidant injury can easily be tolerated by cells, double-stranded DNA breaks induced by ionizing radiation can be a significant threat for the cell survival.106

Methylation at CpG islands in DNA is an important epigenetic mechanism that may result in gene silencing. Oxidation of 5-MeCyt to 5-hydroxymethyl uracil (5-OHMeUra) can occur via deamination/oxidation reactions of thymine or 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine intermediates.107 In addition to the modulating gene expression, DNA methylation also seems to affect chromatin organization.108 Aberrant DNA methylation patterns induced by oxidative attacks also affect DNA repair activity.

Effects Of Oxidative Stress On Lipids

ROS can induce lipid peroxidation and disrupt the membrane lipid bilayer arrangement that may inactivate membrane-bound receptors and enzymes and increase tissue permeability.109 Products of lipid peroxidation, such as MDA and unsaturated aldehydes, are capable of inactivating many cellular proteins by forming protein cross-linkages.110�112 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal causes depletion of intracellular GSH and induces of peroxide production,113,114 activates epidermal growth factor receptor,115 and induces fibronectin production.116 Lipid peroxidation products, such as isoprostanes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, have been used as indirect biomarkers of oxidative stress, and increased levels were shown in the exhaled breath condensate or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients or smokers.117�119

Effects Of Oxidative Stress on Proteins

ROS can cause fragmentation of the peptide chain, alteration of electrical charge of proteins, cross-linking of proteins, and oxidation of specific amino acids and therefore lead to increased susceptibility to proteolysis by degradation by specific proteases.120 Cysteine and methionine residues in proteins are particularly more susceptible to oxidation.121 Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups or methionine residues of proteins cause conformational changes, protein unfolding, and degradation.8,121�123 Enzymes that have metals on or close to their active sites are especially more sensitive to metal catalyzed oxidation. Oxidative modification of enzymes has been shown to inhibit their activities.124,125

In some cases, specific oxidation of proteins may take place. For example, methionine can be oxidized methionine sulfoxide126 and phenylalanine to o-tyrosine127; sulfhydryl groups can be oxidized to form disulfide bonds;128 and carbonyl groups may be introduced into the side chains of proteins. Gamma rays, metal-catalyzed oxidation, HOCl, and ozone can cause formation of carbonyl groups.129

Effects of Oxidative Stress on Signal Transduction

ROS can induce expression of several genes involved in signal transduction.1,130 A high ratio for GSH/GSSG is important for the protection of the cell from oxidative dam- age. Disruption of this ratio causes activation of redox sensitive transcription factors, such as NF-kB, AP-1, nuclear factor of activated T cells and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 , that are involved in the inflammatory response. Activation of transcription factors via ROS is achieved by signal transduction cascades that transmit the information from outside to the inside of cell. Tyrosine kinase receptors, most of the growth factor receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and receptor for platelet-derived growth factor, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and serine/threonine kinases are targets of ROS.131�133 Extra- cellular signal-regulated kinases, JNK, and p38, which are the members of mitogen-activated protein kinase family and involved in several processes in cell including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, also can be regulated by oxidants.

Under oxidative stress conditions, cysteine residues in the DNA-binding site of c-Jun, some AP-1 subunits, and inhibitory k-B kinase undergo reversible S-glutathiolation. Glutaredoxin and TRX have been reported to play an important role in regulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, such as NF-kB and AP-1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and JNK.134�137

NF-kB can be activated in response to oxidative stress conditions, such as ROS, free radicals, and UV irradiation.138 Phosphorylation of IkB frees NF-kB and allows it to enter the nucleus to activate gene transcription.139 A number of kinases have been reported to phosphorylate IkBs at the serine residues. These kinases are the targets of oxidative signals for activation of NF-kB.140 Reducing agents enhance NF-kB DNA binding, whereas oxidizing agents inhibit DNA binding of NF-kB. TRX may exert 2 opposite actions in regulation of NF-kB: in the cytoplasm, it blocks degradation of IkB and inhibits NF-kB activation but enhances NF-kB DNA binding in the nucleus.141 Activation of NF-kB via oxidation-related degradation of IkB results in the activation of several antioxidant defense�related genes. NF-kB regulates the expression of several genes that participate in immune response, such as IL-1b, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-8, and several adhesion molecules.142,143 NF-kB also regulates angiogenesis and proliferation and differentiation of cells.

AP-1 is also regulated by redox state. In the presence of H2O2, some metal ions can induce activation of AP-1. Increase in the ratio of GSH/GSSG enhances AP-1 binding while GSSG inhibits the DNA binding of AP-1.144 DNA binding of the Fos/Jun heterodimer is increased by the reduction of a single conserved cysteine in the DNA-binding domain of each of the proteins,145 while DNA binding of AP-1 can be inhibited by GSSG in many cell types, suggesting that disulphide bond formation by cysteine residues inhibits AP-1 DNA binding.146,147 Signal transduction via oxidative stress is summarized in Figure 2.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress can arise from overproduction of ROS by metabolic reactions that use oxygen and shift the balance between oxidant/antioxidant statuses in favor of the oxidants. ROS are produced by cellular metabolic activities and environmental factors, such as air pollutants or cigarette smoke. ROS are highly reactive molecules because of unpaired electrons in their structure and react with several biological macromolecules in cell, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, and alter their functions. ROS also affects the expression of several genes by upregulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors and chromatin remodeling via alteration in histone acetylation/ deacetylation. Regulation of redox state is critical for cell viability, activation, proliferation, and organ function.

REFERENCES

1. Valko M, Rhodes CJ, Moncol J, Izakovic M, Mazur M. Free radicals, metals and antioxidants in oxidative stress-induced cancer. Chem Biol Interact. 2006;160:1�40.
2. Halliwell B, Gutteridge JMC. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press;1999.
3. Marnett LJ. Lipid peroxidationdDNA damage by malondialdehyde. Mutat Res. 1999;424:83�95.
4. Siems WG, Grune T, Esterbauer H. 4-Hydroxynonenal formation during ischemia and reperfusion of rat small intestine. �Life Sci. 1995;57:785�789.
5. Stadtman ER. Role of oxidant species in aging. Curr Med Chem. 2004;11:1105�1112.
6. Wang MY, Dhingra K, Hittelman WN, Liehr JG, deAndrade M, Li DH. Lipid peroxidation-induced putative malondialdehyde�DNA adducts in human breast tissues. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1996;5:705�710.
7. Jenner P. Oxidative stress in Parkinson�s disease. Ann Neurol. 2003;53: S26�S36.
8. Lyras L, Cairns NJ, Jenner A, Jenner P, Halliwell B. An assessment of oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA in brain from patients with Alzheimer�s disease. J Neurochem. 1997;68:2061�2069.
9. Sayre LM, Smith MA, Perry G. Chemistry and biochemistry of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease. Curr Med Chem. 2001;8:721�738.
10. Toshniwal PK, Zarling EJ. Evidence for increased lipid peroxidation in multiple sclerosis. Neurochem Res. 1992;17:205�207.
11. Dhalla NS, Temsah RM, Netticadan T. Role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. J Hypertens. 2000;18:655�673.
12. Kasparova S, Brezova V, Valko M, Horecky J, Mlynarik V, et al. Study of the oxidative stress in a rat model of chronic brain hypoperfusion. Neurochem Int. 2005;46:601�611.
13. Kerr S, Brosnan MJ, McIntyre M, Reid JL, Dominiczak AF, Hamilton CA. Superoxide anion production is increased in a model of genetic hypertension: role of the endothelium. Hypertension. 1999;33:1353�1358.
14. Kukreja RC, Hess ML. The oxygen free-radical system: from equations through membrane�protein interactions to cardiovascular injury and protection. Cardiovasc Res. 1992;26:641�655.
15. Asami S, Manabe H, Miyake J, Tsurudome Y, Hirano T, et al. Cigarette smoking induces an increase in oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, in a central site of the human lung. Carcinogenesis. 1997;18:1763�1766.
16. Andreadis AA, Hazen SL, Comhair SA, Erzurum SC. Oxidative and nitrosative events in asthma. Free Radic Biol Med. 2003;35:213�225.
17. Comhair SA, Ricci KS, Arroliga M, Lara AR, Dweik RA, et al. Correlation of systemic superoxide dismutase deficiency to airflow obstruction in asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;172:306�313.
18. Comhair SA, Xu W, Ghosh S, Thunnissen FB, Almasan A, et al. Superoxide dismutase inactivation in pathophysiology of asthmatic airway remodeling and reactivity. Am J Pathol. 2005;166:663�674.
19. Dut R, Dizdar EA, Birben E, Sackesen C, Soyer OU, Besler T, Kalayci O. Oxidative stress and its determinants in the airways of children with asthma. Allergy. 2008;63:1605�1609.

20. Ercan H, Birben E, Dizdar EA, Keskin O, Karaaslan C, et al. Oxidative stress and genetic and epidemiologic determinants of oxidant injury in childhood asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118:1097�1104.
21. Fitzpatrick AM, Teague WG, Holguin F, Yeh M, Brown LA. Severe Asthma Research Program. Airway glutathione homeostasis is altered in children with severe asthma: evidence for oxidant stress. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;123:146�152.
22. Miller DM, Buettner GR, Aust SD. Transition metals as catalysts of “autoxidation” reactions. Free Radic Biol Med. 1990;8:95�108.
23. Dupuy C, Virion A, Ohayon R, Kaniewski J, D�me D, Pommier J. Mechanism of hydrogen peroxide formation catalyzed by NADPH oxidase in thyroid plasma membrane. J Biol Chem. 1991;266:3739�3743.
24. Granger DN. Role of xanthine oxidase and granulocytes in ischemiareperfusion injury. Am J Physiol. 1988;255:H1269�H1275.
25. Fenton HJH. Oxidation of tartaric acid in the presence of iron. J Chem Soc. 1984;65:899�910.
26. Haber F, Weiss JJ. The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by iron salts. Proc R Soc Lond Ser A. 1934;147:332�351.
27. Liochev SI, Fridovich I. The Haber�Weiss cycled70 years later: an alternative view. Redox Rep. 2002;7:55�57.
28. Klebanoff SJ. Myeloperoxidase: friend and foe. J Leukoc Biol. 2005;77:598�625.
29. Whiteman M, Jenner A, Halliwell B. Hypochlorous acid-induced base modifications in isolated calf thymus DNA. Chem Res Toxicol. 1997;10:1240�1246.
30. Kulcharyk PA, Heinecke JW. Hypochlorous acid produced by the myeloperoxidase system of human phagocytes induces covalent cross-links between DNA and protein. Biochemistry. 2001;40:3648�3656.
31. Brennan ML, Wu W, Fu X, Shen Z, Song W, et al. A tale of two controversies: defining both the role of peroxidases in nitrotyrosine formation in vivo using eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidasedeficient mice, and the nature of peroxidase-generated reactive nitrogen species. J Biol Chem. 2002;277:17415�17427.
32. Denzler KL, Borchers MT, Crosby JR, Cieslewicz G, Hines EM, et al. Extensive eosinophil degranulation and peroxidase-mediated oxidation of airway proteins do not occur in a mouse ovalbumin-challenge model of pulmonary inflammation. J Immunol. 2001;167:1672�1682.
33. van Dalen CJ, Winterbourn CC, Senthilmohan R, Kettle AJ. Nitrite as a substrate and inhibitor of myeloperoxidase. Implications for nitration and hypochlorous acid production at sites of inflammation. J Biol Chem. 2000;275:11638�11644.
34. Wood LG, Fitzgerald DA, Gibson PG, Cooper DM, Garg ML. Lipid peroxidation as determined by plasma isoprostanes is related to disease severity in mild asthma. Lipids. 2000;35:967�974.
35. Montuschi P, Corradi M, Ciabattoni G, Nightingale J, Kharitonov SA, Barnes PJ. Increased 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress, in exhaled condensate of asthma patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1999;160:216�220.
36. Church DF, Pryor WA. Free-radical chemistry of cigarette smoke and its toxicological implications. Environ Health Perspect. 1985;64:111�126.
37. Hiltermann JT, Lapperre TS, van Bree L, Steerenberg PA, Brahim JJ, et al. Ozone-induced inflammation assessed in sputum and bronchial lavage fluid from asthmatics: a new noninvasive tool in epidemiologic studies on air pollution and asthma. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;27:1448�1454.
38. Nightingale JA, Rogers DF, Barnes PJ. Effect of inhaled ozone on exhaled nitric oxide, pulmonary function, and induced sputum in normal and asthmatic subjects. Thorax. 1999;54:1061�1069.
39. Cho AK, Sioutas C, Miguel AH, Kumagai Y, Schmitz DA, et al. Redox activity of airborne particulate matter at different sites in the Los Angeles Basin. Environ Res. 2005;99:40�47.
40. Comhair SA, Thomassen MJ, Erzurum SC. Differential induction of extracellular glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide synthase 2 in airways of healthy individuals exposed to 100% O(2) or cigarette smoke. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2000;23:350�354.
41. Matthay MA, Geiser T, Matalon S, Ischiropoulos H. Oxidant-mediated lung injury in the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Crit Care Med. 1999;27:2028�2030.
42. Biaglow JE, Mitchell JB, Held K. The importance of peroxide and superoxide in the X-ray response. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1992;22:665�669.
43. Chiu SM, Xue LY, Friedman LR, Oleinick NL. Copper ion-mediated sensitization of nuclear matrix attachment sites to ionizing radiation. Biochemistry. 1993;32:6214�6219.
44. Narayanan PK, Goodwin EH, Lehnert BE. Alpha particles initiate biological production of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide in human cells. Cancer Res. 1997;57:3963�3971.
45. Tuttle SW, Varnes ME, Mitchell JB, Biaglow JE. Sensitivity to chemical oxidants and radiation in CHO cell lines deficient in oxidative pentose cycle activity. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1992;22: 671�675.
46. Guo G, Yan-Sanders Y, Lyn-Cook BD, Wang T, Tamae D, et al. Manganese
superoxide dismutase-mediated gene expression in radiationinduced
adaptive responses. Mol Cell Biol. 2003;23:2362�2378.
47. Azzam EI, de Toledo SM, Spitz DR, Little JB. Oxidative metabolism
modulates signal transduction and micronucleus formation in bystander
cells from a-particle irradiated normal human fibroblasts. Cancer Res.
2002;62:5436�5442.
48. Leach JK, Van Tuyle G, Lin PS, Schmidt-Ullrich R, Mikkelsen RB.
Ionizing radiation-induced, mitochondria-dependent generation of reactive
oxygen/nitrogen. Cancer Res. 2001;61:3894�3901.
49. Dent P, Yacoub A, Fisher PB, Hagan MP, Grant S. MAPK pathways in
radiation responses. Oncogene. 2003;22:5885�5896.
50. Wei SJ, Botero A, Hirota K, Bradbury CM, Markovina S, et al. Thioredoxin
nuclear translocation and interaction with redox factor-1 activates the AP-1 transcription factor in response to ionizing radiation. Cancer Res. 2000;60:6688�6695.
51. Cadet J, Douki T, Gasparutto D, Ravanat JL. Oxidative damage to DNA: formation, measurement and biochemical features. Mutat Res. 2003;531:5�23.
52. Yokoya A, Cunniffe SM, O�Neill P. Effect of hydration on the induction of strand breaks and base lesions in plasmid DNA films by gammaradiation. J Am Chem Soc. 2002;124:8859�8866.
53. Janssen YM, Van Houten B, Borm PJ, Mossman BT. Cell and tissue responses to oxidative damage. Lab Invest. 1993;69:261�274.
54. Iwanaga M, Mori K, Iida T, Urata Y, Matsuo T, et al. Nuclear factor kappa B dependent induction of gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase by ionizing radiation in T98G human glioblastoma cells. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998;24:1256�1268.
55. Stohs SJ, Bagchi D. Oxidative mechanisms in the toxicity of metal ions. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995;18:321�336.
56. Leonard SS, Harris GK, Shi X. Metal-induced oxidative stress and signal transduction. Free Radic Biol Med. 2004;37:1921�1942.
57. Shi H, Shi X, Liu KJ. Oxidative mechanism of arsenic toxicity and carcinogenesis. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004;255:67�78.
58. Pi J, Horiguchi S, Sun Y, Nikaido M, Shimojo N, Hayashi T. A potential mechanism for the impairment of nitric oxide formation caused by prolonged oral exposure to arsenate in rabbits. Free Radic Biol Med.2003;35:102�113.
59. Rin K, Kawaguchi K, Yamanaka K, Tezuka M, Oku N, Okada S. DNAstrand breaks induced by dimethylarsinic acid, a metabolite of inorganic arsenics, are strongly enhanced by superoxide anion radicals. Biol Pharm Bull. 1995;18:45�58.
60. Waalkes MP, Liu J, Ward JM, Diwan LA. Mechanisms underlying arsenic carcinogenesis: hypersensitivity of mice exposed to inorganic arsenic during gestation. Toxicology. 2004;198:31�38.
61. Schiller CM, Fowler BA, Woods JS. Effects of arsenic on pyruvate dehydrogenase activation. Environ Health Perspect. 1977;19:205�207.
62. Monterio HP, Bechara EJH, Abdalla DSP. Free radicals involvement in neurological porphyrias and lead poisoning. Mol Cell Biochem. 1991;103:73�83.
63. Tripathi RM, Raghunath R, Mahapatra S. Blood lead and its effect on Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe and hemoglobin levels of children. Sci Total Environ. 2001;277:161�168.
64. Nehru B, Dua R. The effect of dietary selenium on lead neurotoxicity. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1997;16:47�50.
65. Reid TM, Feig DI, Loeb LA. Mutagenesis by metal-induced oxygen radicals. Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102(suppl 3):57�61.
66. Kinnula VL, Crapo JD. Superoxide dismutases in the lung and human lung diseases. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;167:1600�1619.
67. Kinnula VL. Production and degradation of oxygen metabolites during inflammatory states in the human lung. Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy. 2005;4:465�470.

68. Zelko IN, Mariani TJ, Folz RJ. Superoxide dismutase multigene family: a comparison of the CuZn-SOD (SOD1), Mn-SOD (SOD2), and EC-SOD (SOD3) gene structures, evolution, and expression. Free Radic Biol Med. 2002;33:337�349.
69. Kirkman HN, Rolfo M, Ferraris AM, Gaetani GF. Mechanisms of protection of catalase by NADPH. Kinetics and stoichiometry. J Biol Chem. 1999;274:13908�13914.
70. Floh� L. Glutathione peroxidase. Basic Life Sci. 1988;49:663�668.
71. Arthur JR. The glutathione peroxidases. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2000;57:1825�1835.
72. Chu FF, Doroshow JH, Esworthy RS. Expression, characterization, and tissue distribution of a new cellular selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, GSHPx-GI. J Biol Chem. 1993;268:2571�2576.
73. Comhair SA, Bhathena PR, Farver C, Thunnissen FB, Erzurum SC. Extracellular glutathione peroxidase induction in asthmatic lungs: evidence for redox regulation of expression in human airway epithelial cells. FASEB J. 2001;15:70�78.
74. Gromer S, Urig S, Becker K. The thioredoxin systemdfrom science to clinic. Med Res Rev. 2004;24:40�89.
75. Kinnula VL, Lehtonen S, Kaarteenaho-Wiik R, Lakari E, P��kk� P, et al. Cell specific expression of peroxiredoxins in human lung and pulmonary sarcoidosis. Thorax. 2002;57:157�164.
76. Dubuisson M, Vander Stricht D, Clippe A, Etienne F, Nauser T, et al. Human peroxiredoxin 5 is a peroxynitrite reductase. FEBS Lett. 2004;571:161�165.
77. Holmgren A. Antioxidant function of thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2000;2:811�820.
78. Dickinson DA, Forman HJ. Glutathione in defense and signaling: lessons from a small thiol. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002;973:488�504.
79. Sies H. Glutathione and its role in cellular functions. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;27:916�921.
80. Ladner JE, Parsons JF, Rife CL, Gilliland GL, Armstrong RN. Parallel evolutionary pathways for glutathione transferases: structure and mechanism of the mitochondrial class kappa enzyme rGSTK1-1. Biochemistry. 2004;43:52�61.
81. Robinson A, Huttley GA, Booth HS, Board PG. Modelling and bioinformatics studies of the human kappa class glutathione transferase predict a novel third transferase family with homology to prokaryotic 2-hydroxychromene-2-carboxylate isomerases. Biochem J. 2004;379:541�552.
82. Jakobsson P-J, Morgenstern R, Mancini J, Ford-Hutchinson A, Persson B. Common structural features of MAPEGda widespread superfamily of membrane associated proteins with highly divergent functions in eicosanoid and glutathione metabolism. Protein Sci. 1999;8:689�692.
83. Hayes JD, Pulford DJ. The glutathione S-transferase supergene family: regulation of GST and the contribution of the isoenzymes to cancer chemoprotection and drug resistance. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 1995;30:445�600.
84. Armstrong RN. Structure, catalytic mechanism, and evolution of the glutathione transferases. Chem Res Toxicol. 1997;10:2�18.
85. Hayes JD, McLellan LI. Glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzymes represent a co-ordinately regulated defence against oxidative stress. Free Radic Res. 1999;31:273�300.
86. Sheehan D, Meade G, Foley VM, Dowd CA. Structure, function and evolution of glutathione transferases: implications for classification of nonmammalian members of an ancient enzyme superfamily. Biochem J. 2001;360:1�16.
87. Cho S-G, Lee YH, Park H-S, Ryoo K, Kang KW, et al. Glutathione S-transferase Mu modulates the stress activated signals by suppressing apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1. J Biol Chem. 2001;276:12749�12755.
88. Dorion S, Lambert H, Landry J. Activation of the p38 signaling pathway by heat shock involves the dissociation of glutathione S-transferase Mu from Ask1. J Biol Chem. 2002;277:30792�30797.
89. Adler V, Yin Z, Fuchs SY, Benezra M, Rosario L, et al. Regulation of JNK signalling by GSTp. EMBO J. 1999;18:1321�1334.
90. Manevich Y, Feinstein SI, Fisher AB. Activation of the antioxidant enzyme 1-CYS peroxiredoxin requires glutathionylation mediated by heterodimerization with pGST. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004;101:3780�3785.
91. Bunker VW. Free radicals, antioxidants and ageing. Med Lab Sci. 1992;49:299�312.
92. Mezzetti A, Lapenna D, Romano F, Costantini F, Pierdomenico SD, et al. Systemic oxidative stress and its relationship with age and illness. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1996;44:823�827.
93. White E, Shannon JS, Patterson RE. Relationship between vitamin and
calcium supplement use and colon cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1997;6:769�774.
94. Masella R, Di Benedetto R, Vari R, Filesi C, Giovannini C. Novel mechanisms of natural antioxidant compounds in biological systems: involvement of glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes. J Nutr Biochem. 2005;16:577�586.
95. Curello S, Ceconi C, Bigoli C, Ferrari R, Albertini A, Guarnieri C. Changes in the cardiac glutathione status after ischemia and reperfusion. Experientia. 1985;41:42�43.
96. El-Agamey A, Lowe GM, McGarvey DJ, Mortensen A, Phillip DM, Truscott TG. Carotenoid radical chemistry and antioxidant/pro-oxidant properties. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004;430:37�48.
97. Rice-Evans CA, Sampson J, Bramley PM, Holloway DE. Why do we expect carotenoids to be antioxidants in vivo? Free Radic Res. 1997;26:381�398.
98. Niles RM. Signaling pathways in retinoid chemoprevention and treatment of cancer. Mutat Res. 2004;555:81�96.
99. Donato LJ, Noy N. Suppression of mammary carcinoma growth by retinoic acid: proapoptotic genes are targets for retinoic acid receptor and cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II signaling. Cancer Res. 2005;65:8193�8199.
100. Niizuma H, Nakamura Y, Ozaki T, Nakanishi H, Ohira M, et al. Bcl-2 is a key regulator for the retinoic acid-induced apoptotic cell death in neuroblastoma. Oncogene. 2006;25:5046�5055.
101. Dalton TP, Shertzer HG, Puga A. Regulation of gene expression by reactive oxygen. Ann Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 1999;39:67�101.
102. Scandalios JG. Genomic responses to oxidative stress. In: Meyers RA, ed. Encyclopedia of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine. Vol 5. 2nd ed. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH; 2004: 489�512.
103. Ghosh R, Mitchell DL. Effect of oxidative DNA damage in promoter elements on transcription factor binding. Nucleic Acids Res. 1999;27:3213�3218.
104. Marietta C, Gulam H, Brooks PJ. A single 8, 50-cyclo-20-deoxyadenosine lesion in a TATA box prevents binding of the TATA binding protein and strongly reduces transcription in vivo. DNA Repair (Amst). 2002;1:967�975.
105. Jackson AL, Chen R, Loeb LA. Induction of microsatellite instability
by oxidative DNA damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998;95:12468�12473.
106. Caldecott KW. Protein-protein interactions during mammalian DNA single-strand break repair. Biochem Soc Trans. 2003;31:247�251.
107. Cooke MS, Evans MD, Dizdaroglu M, Lunec J. Oxidative DNA damage: mechanisms, mutation, and disease. FASEB J. 2003;17:1195�1214.
108. Jones PL, Wolffe AP. Relationships between chromatin organization and DNA methylation in determining gene expression. Semin Cancer Biol. 1999;9:339�347.
109. Girotti AW. Mechanisms of lipid peroxidation. J Free Radic Biol Med. 1985;1:87�95.
110. Siu GM, Draper HH. Metabolism of malonaldehyde in vivo and in vitro. Lipids. 1982;17:349�355.
111. Esterbauer H, Koller E, Slee RG, Koster JF. Possible involvement of the lipid-peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal in the formation of fluorescent chromolipids. Biochem J. 1986;239:405�409.
112. Hagihara M, Nishigaki I, Maseki M, Yagi K. Age-dependent changes in lipid peroxide levels in the lipoprotein fractions of human serum. J Gerontol. 1984;39:269�272.
113. Keller JN, Mark RJ, Bruce AJ, Blanc E, Rothstein JD, et al. 4- Hydroxynonenal, an aldehydic product of membrane lipid peroxidation, impairs glutamate transport and mitochondrial function in synaptosomes. Neuroscience. 1997;806:85�96.
114. Uchida K, Shiraishi M, Naito Y, Torii Y, Nakamura Y, Osawa T. Activation of stress signaling pathways by the end product of lipid peroxidation. 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal is a potential inducer of intracellular peroxide production. J Biol Chem. 1999;274:2234�2242.
115. Suc I, Meilhac O, Lajoie-Mazenc I, Vandaele J, Jurgens G, Salvayre R, Negre-Salvayre A. Activation of EGF receptor by oxidized LDL. FASEB J. 1998;12:665�671.

116. Tsukagoshi H, Kawata T, Shimizu Y, Ishizuka T, Dobashi K, Mori M. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal enhances fibronectin production by IMR-90 human lung fibroblasts partly via activation of epidermal growth factor receptor-linked extracellular signal-regulated kinase p44/42 pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2002;184:127�135.
117. Montuschi P, Collins JV, Ciabattoni G, Lazzeri N, Corradi M, Kharitonov SA, Barnes PJ. Exhaled 8-isoprostane as an in vivo biomarker of lung oxidative stress in patients with COPD and healthy smokers. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000;162:1175�1177.
118. Morrison D, Rahman I, Lannan S, MacNee W. Epithelial permeability, inflammation, and oxidant stress in the air spaces of smokers. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1999;159:473�479.
119. Nowak D, Kasielski M, Antczak A, Pietras T, Bialasiewicz P. Increased content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide in the expired breath condensate of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: no significant effect of cigarette smoking. Respir Med. 1999;93:389�396.
120. Kelly FJ, Mudway IS. Protein oxidation at the air-lung interface. Amino Acids. 2003;25:375�396.
121. Dean RT, Roberts CR, Jessup W. Fragmentation of extracellular and intracellular polypeptides by free radicals. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1985;180:341�350.
122. Keck RG. The use of t-butyl hydroperoxide as a probe for methionine oxidation in proteins. Anal Biochem. 1996;236:56�62.
123. Davies KJ. Protein damage and degradation by oxygen radicals. I. General aspects. J Biol Chem. 1987;262:9895�9901.
124. Stadtman ER. Metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of proteins: biochemical mechanism and biological consequences. Free Radic Biol Med.
1990;9:315�325.
125. Fucci L, Oliver CN, Coon MJ, Stadtman ER. Inactivation of key metabolic enzymes by mixed-function oxidation reactions: possible implication in protein turnover and ageing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1983;80:1521�1525.
126. Stadtman ER, Moskovitz J, Levine RL. Oxidation of methionine residues of proteins: biological consequences. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2003;5:577�582.
127. Stadtman ER, Levine RL. Free radical-mediated oxidation of free amino acids and amino acid residues in proteins. Amino Acids. 2003;25:207�218.
128. Stadtman ER. Protein oxidation in aging and age-related diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001;928:22�38.
129. Shacter E. Quantification and significance of protein oxidation in biological samples. Drug Metab Rev. 2000;32:307�326.
130. Poli G, Leonarduzzi G, Biasi F, Chiarpotto E. Oxidative stress and cell signalling. Curr Med Chem. 2004;11:1163�1182.
131. Neufeld G, Cohen T, Gengrinovitch S, Poltorak Z. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. FASEB J. 1999;13:9�22.
132. Sundaresan M, Yu ZX, Ferrans VJ, Sulciner DJ, Gutkind JS, et al. Regulation of reactive-oxygen species generation in fibroblasts by Rac1. Biochem J. 1996;318:379�382.
133. Sun T, Oberley LW. Redox regulation of transcriptional activators. Free Radic Biol Med. 1996;21:335�348.
134. Klatt P, Molina EP, De Lacoba MG, Padilla CA, Martinez-Galesteo E, Barcena JA, Lamas S. Redox regulation of c-Jun DNA binding by reversible S-glutathiolation. FASEB J. 1999;13:1481�1490.
135. Reynaert NL, Ckless K, Guala AS, Wouters EF, van der Vliet A, Janssen Heininger
YM. In situ detection of S-glutathionylated proteins following glutaredoxin-1 catalyzed cysteine derivatization. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006;1760:380�387.
136. Reynaert NL, Wouters EF, Janssen-Heininger YM. Modulation of glutaredoxin-1
expression in a mouse model of allergic airway disease. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2007;36:147�151.
137. Filomeni G, Rotilio G, Ciriolo MR. Cell signalling and the glutathione redox system. Biochem Pharmacol. 2002;64:1057�1064.
138. Pande V, Ramos MJ. Molecular recognition of 15-deoxydelta (12,14) prostaglandin J(2) by nuclear factor-kappa B and other cellular proteins. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2005;15:4057�4063.
139. Perkins ND. Integrating cell-signalling pathways with NF-kappaB and IKK function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2007;8:49�62.
140. Gilmore TD. Introduction to NF-kappaB: players, pathways, perspectives. Oncogene. 2006;25:6680�6684.
141. Hirota K, Murata M, Sachi Y, Nakamura H, Takeuchi J, Mori K, Yodoi J. Distinct roles of thioredoxin in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. A two-step mechanism of redox regulation of transcription factor NF-kappaB. J Biol Chem. 1999;274:27891�27897.
142. Ward PA. Role of complement, chemokines and regulatory cytokines in acute lung injury. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1996;796:104�112.
143. Akira S, Kishimoto A. NF-IL6 and NF-kB in cytokine gene regulation. Adv Immunol. 1997;65:1�46.
144. Meyer M, Schreck R, Baeuerle PA. H2O2 and antioxidants have opposite effects on activation of NF-kappa B and AP-1 in intact cells: AP-1 as secondary antioxidant-responsive factor. EMBO J. 1993;12:2005�2015.
145. Abate C, Patel L, Rausher FJ, Curran T. Redox regulation of fos and jun DNA-binding activity in vitro. Science. 1990;249:1157�1161.
146. Galter D, Mihm S, Droge W. Distinct effects of glutathione disulphide on the nuclear transcription factors kB and the activator protein-1. Eur J Biochem. 1994;221:639�648.
147. Hirota K, Matsui M, Iwata S, Nishiyama A, Mori K, Yodoi J. AP-1 transcriptional activity is regulated by a direct association between thioredoxin and Ref-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1997;94: 3633�3638.

Drugs and Medications for Chronic Pain | Central Chiropractor

Drugs and Medications for Chronic Pain | Central Chiropractor

Medications and drugs include a progression: you never start out with the largest dose possible of the most powerful medicine. You begin to help control your pain and other symptoms. Alas, a number of chronic pain sufferers have found that over-the-counter drugs and medications aren’t sufficient for their chronic pain.

 

What medications and drugs are prescribed for chronic pain?

 

While there are a variety of treatment options available to help manage and relieve symptoms of chronic pain, some patients may additionally ask for prescription medications and drugs. There’s many dosages and types of these which doctors can prescribe. The following and their effects are listed below.

 

Prescription Medication Used for Chronic Pain

 

Prescription medication, which is another step on the progression of drugs and medications is usually needed by chronic pain patients. What the doctor prescribes is dependent on your pain level, treatment goals, and general well-being. They will take into account other medications as well as herbal remedies and nutritional supplements, that you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor about whatever you’re on because of potential drug interactions.

 

Whatever drug your doctor prescribes, you’ll start on the lowest possible dose. You have found the correct medication and dose if that works to relieve your chronic pain. If it doesn’t, then the doctor may consider upping your dose or trying another medication. Some general categories for medications used for pain are:

 

Anti-depressants: You don’t need to be miserable to be prescribed anti-depressants. They could block the mind from getting pain messages, so they’re a sensible option for chronic pain sufferers. Additionally, it is believed that anti-depressants might raise the number of endorphins in your body, and endorphins are a pure pain suppressant.

 

It’s correct that chronic pain often involves a psychological component, especially as the pain appears to take over a patient’s life. Anxiety can make it more difficult to do that, together with fatigue and other consequences of chronic pain, may lead to depression. Anti-depressants may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program which attempts to help you deal with all elements of pain.

 

Muscle relaxants:�You may take a muscle relaxant, if your pain is caused by muscle sprain, strain, spasm, or anxiety. This medication may help supply you with the pain relief so that you can work on strengthening your muscles.

 

Neuropathic agents: For chronic pain caused by nerve problems (neuropathic pain), doctors may prescribe neuropathic agents. They especially target the nerves, and the way changes in which the brain receives and interprets pain messages.

 

Non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications (NSAIDS): NSAIDs combat inflammation, just as steroids do, but they get it done with no steroids. They work by blocking certain enzymes in the human body, the ones which help alleviate inflammation.

 

Opioids (Narcotics): In the most extreme cases, and only under careful supervision, your physician may also prescribe an opioid, such as morphine or codeine. Opioids are also known as narcotics. They work by attaching to opioid receptors on the surface of the brain, spinal cord, and cells. They then can block pain messages. Opioids alter the interpretation of pain of the brain by changing how pain signals are transmitted.

 

Pain relievers: Prescription-strength pain relievers referred to as pain killers or analgesics, do precisely what their name implies: they relieve pain. They do not reduce inflammation. Pain relievers work by preventing the mind from getting pain signals from your own nerves. Then your brain won’t know about the pain, if pain messages can’t be transmitted by the nerve cells as they do, and then you either won’t feel it or won’t sense it as severely. Most pain relievers belong to one of the above mentioned categories (opioids, NSAID, etc.).

 

Steroid medications: Steroids are medications that are strong. If you have tried prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and they have not reduced the pain, the doctor may have you try steroid drugs. They block the body from producing the compound that cause inflammation, so they’re used for chronic pain sufferers with an inflammatory condition.

 

Your body gets used to the medication, and that means that you can’t simply stop taking them. You have to give your body time to readjust by tapering your dosages. That is an important thing to bear in mind if you are considering taking steroid drugs or any form of medication listed above. Be sure to contact your healthcare professional and consult all your options before considering the use of strong medications and treatment alternatives.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center